Matritech's NMP22 BladderChek Test for bladder cancer recommended at annual urology meeting

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., May 24 - Matritech said independent clinical investigators recommended the NMP22 BladderChek Test be included in standard practice for diagnosing and monitoring bladder cancer.

The test was highlighted at the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) in Atlanta, according to a company news release.

Presenters at the AUA meeting showed the NMP22 BladderChek Test improved detection of recurring bladder cancer to 99% when used with cystoscopy; was positive for 8 of 9 cancers not seen by cystoscopy, including seven aggressive or advanced tumors, and detected four times as many cancers as the laboratory-based urine cytology test.

The NMP22 BladderChek Test detects elevated levels of the NMP22 protein marker in a single urine sample. Elevated NMP22 protein markers are common in bladder cancer patients, even in very early stages of the disease, the company said.

While not intended to replace cystoscopy, the NMP22 BladderChek Test provides clinically useful information when used in combination with cystoscopy.

"The presentations, and particularly the support from these highly respected clinicians, have delivered a compelling message about the benefits the NMP22 BladderChek Test can provide in standard practice from diagnosing and monitoring bladder cancer to its potential for saving lives and expense in screening people who are at risk for the cancer," chairman and chief executive officer Stephen D. Chubb said in the release.

Matritech said the painless, noninvasive assay is the only in-office test approved by the Food and Drug Administration for both the diagnosis and monitoring of bladder cancer.

Located in Newton, Mass., Matritech uses protein markers to develop clinical applications to detect cancer.

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